Garland, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Garland's Development Code restricts use of accessory structures in single-family districts - they cannot operate as separate rental households. Where a Specific Use Permit (SUP) has been granted to authorize a second dwelling unit, long-term rental (30 days or more) is permitted as long as the property owner continues to occupy either the principal dwelling or the accessory unit, consistent with the SUP conditions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are addressed through Garland's adopted ordinances under the City's police-power authority, generally requiring registration, designation of a 24-hour local contact, collection and remittance of Hotel Occupancy Tax (state 6% under Texas Tax Code Ch. 156 plus Garland local HOT under Texas Tax Code Ch. 351), and compliance with parking, occupancy, and noise standards. The Texas Legislature in 2023 considered SB 987 to broadly preempt municipal STR regulation; Governor Abbott vetoed it. The Texas Supreme Court's 2018 Tarr v. Timberwood Park decision held that STRs are 'residential' in most deed restrictions, but Texas courts continue to permit municipal regulation of STRs as a zoning matter - STR preemption remains unresolved. Texas Local Government Code Sec. 214.902 expressly preempts municipal rent control, so Garland cannot adopt rent stabilization. Texas Property Code Ch. 92 governs landlord-tenant relationships including notice periods, security deposits, and eviction.